MartIni's Grille, A Dragons Share Review

Martini's Grille
Website: http://www.martinisgrille.com/
Address: 610 North 4th St. Burlington, Ia,
Phone: (319) 752- 6262
Hours: Reservation Hours >

Tuesday - Thursday: 4pm - 9pm

Friday: 4pm - 10pm

Saturday: 5pm - 10pm

Mississippi River

I won't beat around the bush as I tend to do. Martini's Grille is the paramount of places I have eaten.  A solid 10 out of 10. I know crazy that I would break my no place is perfect rule, Well Tada, here it is. Making the reservation was no hassle. Finding this place would be a little trouble.cause from the street its not a building you would expect a fine restaurant to be in. A quick elevator ride up and you take a quick turn to talk to a hostess. I found that you will more than likely be directed to the bar after confirming your reservation. which is a great cause you need a martini for the amazing drink crafters I kid you not the drink selection was not to be scoffed at. 

Ruby Slipper

Since yours doesn't drink and this place really has no soft drinks though you can get water at the table, It doesn't even matter though they can make just about any drink on the menu "Virgin", Thus I had my first Martini, The Ruby Slipper, Sure it had no alcohol in it but cut me some slack I have issues. This drink hit taste buds I didn't even think that should be working at the same time. Mad props to that bartender. This Time also gave an opportunity to look over that Awesome menu.  

After our time at the bar we were seated and the Table was a river front view (seen above). Our hostess was incredible! She managed to be out the Service personnel from every single other restaurant I frequent. She was always smiling and even as it began to get more packed as the night progressed and more people stared coming in. It didn't slow her down one bit. So To you Thank you so much. . 

It was not long we had our appetizers and boy did our eyes write a check our stomachs couldn't cash. We tried an amazing  Verity of sushi and The Crab Rangoon was nuts. I tried Crab Rangoon prepared many different ways. Including my own shameful attempt a few years ago. That and a Chicken Lips Pizza,  and Soft Pretzel Fondue. We didn't realize until it was too late how much food it was, 

Crab Rangoon and Sushi 

More Sushi, Chicken Lip Pizza, and Soft Pretzel Fondue

Was that all I ate? Mayhaps it should have been the seafood section of the menu continued to call to me. So I Got the King Crab Jar ( Food information can be on the menu link on the website) and Baked Potato Soup. The King Crab in a jar was really Buttery and Sweet, the you put it on the biscuit it came with gave Just that little extra texture it needed to put it over the top. So warm and Buttery< yes I know i already said buttery but that was flavor now I'm talking about texture. The creaminess of everything made the meal.The Mac & Cheese Has been placed in its own category with me now. It was hot and decedent and gooey if anything made me hit the proverbial "food wall" that was it.     The Baked Potato Soup was a clever bit of culinary science  Take potato soup add the topping of a baked potato and there you have it the over simplification of genius. 

King Crab in a Jar, And Mac & Cheese

Baked Potato Soup

It was so Much food in the end we took a good portion of the Pizza home with us.As far as the Check is concerned this is a place you get more that what you are paying for. usre some things are more pricey but if you are looking for a get togther with some friends like I did, or a romantic Night out Martin's Grille has you covered top bottom, So In the enclosing Im say it again the great staff and Excellent food Finally broke me, So I happily award Martini's a Perfect 10.  

Napoli Restaurant and Pizzeria. A Dragon's Share Review.

Napoli Restaurant and Pizzaeria

Website: http://www.napolipizzaandrestaurant.com/oc/profile?g=1628617

Address: 115 N 3rd St, Burlington, IA 

Phone: (319) 754-6621

Hours: 

Monday - Thursday. 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Friday - Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Coleslaw

This place is out of your way. But you should go out of your way for this place. The look from the outside doesn't seem like much and inside is the same. Very interest with a old school look. which I love! So we got seated and it was really fast. Mind you it was the first part of the afternoon. The server was amazing and attentive. The menu was easy to read and I found what I wanted fairly easily. The whole Wait maybe too about Eight minutes from seating to drinks to Getting our order taken. 

Bosco Sticks

Macaroni Bites

The appetizers were so warm and delicious. the Bosco sticks and the Macaroni Bites . The macaroni was enough to make the trip. Just an amazing little taste explosions that even if you go for a snack to chill with friends. he macaroni bites its the best choice.  That's not the end.

King Double Cheese Burger and Crinkle Fries. 

Its an Unspoken rule that a restaurant Floats on its burgers and fries. Mine was greatness on a Bun. The King Double Cheese Burger was cook just right The Meat was juicy and the bun was nice and crispy. The cheese gave the Dynamic that you look for the pulls the "Sandwich" together. The fries surpized me the most, First off ill be Honest i saw crinkle fries and cringed. Then I ate one and I forgive everything I have ever said about crinkle cut fries, okay not everything. These things are so crunchy, warm and soft. I know crazy right. But I loved it no joke. 

The whole experience was fantastic. It was amazing and I will be going back. The Atmosphere and food was just amazing. Please If you Love Little food places that, or Like to know the places locals will tells you. Over all I Give Napoli Restaurant and Pizzareia a 9 out of 10. I LOVE IT GO THERE please.

Gyro 

Chicken (Loner)

Pizza

The Lost Duck Brewing Co. A Dragon's Share Review.

The Lost Duck Brewing Company
Website: http://www.duckbrewing.com/ 
Address: 723-725 Avenue H (Highway) 61 Fort Madison, Iowa
Phone: (319) 372-8255
Hours: 

Wednesday - Saturday

3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

The lost Duck Seems lke an old hole in the wall Pub on the out side But once you come it Might surprise you. Yeah it is a Brewery With a fine line of quality Beverages i'm sure. Because I cant drink however that's not what I will be Writing about.  Sad face single tear I know but what I did get to experience was plenty. 

When you arrive you are met with an amazing scene. the bar is breath taking then you finally get to see out to the Fort Madison water front. sure there is the rail road tracks but that is all apart of the city's charm. But looking just past that to the old Fort and Mississippi River. its hard not to be impressed. We seated ourselves along a back table in dining room since it was all six of us at the time. It wasn't as packed as would have thought for being a Friday. Mind you I did get the feeling that The Lost Duck may not be a family oriented place but I have been wrong before. especially since the kids menu had some awesome options. 

We ordered anything that looked good on the Menu. It was really easy to read yet it was a lot of information to be taken in which is a god thing. everything you are being served in great detail.
and the wait wasn't very long for us, but again it wasn't that crowded. We ordered our drinks and Appetizers. Our order: Chips. The Nutty Duck Goat Cheese Balls, and Moody Blue Chips. out of all of them my two favorites were The Moody Blue and Goat Cheese. These where simply Delicious!!! The Blue Cheese and Bacon on the Home cooked Chips was tasty and was hard for me to hold back and save room for Dinner, The Goat Cheese balls were so creamy and smooth with the great crunch of the Crust

The Moody Blu

Goat Cheese Balls

The Nutty Duck

House Made Chips

Once dinner arrived it was game on. I ordered the Bison Burger. The rest of the us ordered Sunny Brats Supreme, The raspberry chip chicken sandwich. The crazy part is that in my opinion the appetizers were just as Good as the main course.  Its not saying it was bad quality Just a few things Struck me as Odd. For starters the the food was served on plates too big to make the food look good. When food wise other than the fact my Bison Burger was a little dry It was Good. At ate my Burger Some of my Roommate's Bacon from the Sunny Brats Supreme, I took some of my fries home with me.

The Bison Burger, minus my bite

Over all the The Lost Duck Brewing Company. Is a good Place if you are looking for a nice place to Eat a little and Reminisce with friends or family while getting some good food.  I Recommend it to anyone who enjoys the pub or bar scene. its right up your alley. Or if you Just want a slice of Fort Madison history.

Extras Galley:

Zombie Burger And Shake Lab; A Dragons Share Review

ZoMbIe Burger and Shake lab.

101 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Sunday: 11am – 6pm
Monday - Saturday: 10am – 9pm

Okay, what can I say about this place except AMAZING. Mind you I was a little surprised that this place looks as cool as it does this Mural on the one side of the suite looming over your wait to order your food. It's awesome to see such great art.
Ordering your food is easy and fun since 99% if not the whole menu is zombie themes and names, T - virus and Dawn of the dead just to name a few. The prices are on pare with other top quality Burger Joints and trust me you get more then you pay for in Quality.

I had the 28 Days Later, It had blue cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, onions, tomato, and Mayo. It was a lot of onions but so worth it. The Bun was also top notch and the burger was exceptionally not overdone. In the best way it was almost to much Burger for me But in the end I came out of it victorious and oddly enough satisfied. Most places its either too much or too little. Mind the fact that I only count the Burger itself on its own Merritt. 

The Food over all was spot on, From the They are coming to get you Barbra, The Macaroni and cheese,fried Bun was crazy good. The Poutine was great and even thought I'm not a fan of gravy or fries but dam it hit the spot. 

Over all the Experience was great. It was a great little place. I Loved it so much I want to go back as soon as I can. It was amazing if you Have not been you really Should. Its fun for the whole family, I know I was surprised too. 

Atlas Steak and Smokehouse: A Dragon's Share Review.

Atlas Steak and Smokehouse
Website: http://www.atlassteakandsmokehouse.com/
Address: 709 Avenue H, 
Fort Madison, Iowa
Phone; (319) 372-8299
Hours:

Monday-Thursday 5p–9p

Friday-Saturday 5p–10p

Sunday 5p–8p

      "Atlas Steak and Smokehouse isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Our goal is to provide memorable food in a unique, comfortable atmosphere unlike any other restaurant in Southeastern Iowa." and they mean it. Right through the door Atlas steak and smokehouse is a first rate experience The decor reminded me of an Ye Olde style pub or bar, Which I loved. As we entered we were quickly seated at a table for the Six of us.{Four adults & 2 children} We did not wait long as the Waitress Was not only friendly, she was also diligent. She even acknowledged the Kids. She made them feel like part of the experience. Which always makes brownie points for me.

     The Menu was amazing and easy to read and understand. The Prices are all clearly marked and the prices are easy to understand (for reference see the Menu on the Atlas website above.). The Selection has a little bit of everything. Steak, seafood, and variety of salads. No one in your party should be going home hungry, The the wait was not long, yet we also went just after Lunch time but not as many people as I thought I'd see on a Saturday. 

      

      As for the Food. Only three words can describe, Oh My Goodness!! It is a rarity in this day in age when you go out somewhere and get EXACTLY what you ordered exactly the way you ordered it.yet the folks at Atlas gave us just that.  Not only that everyone in our part enjoyed their meals. 

Smoked Chicken Salad

     Each of us choose a different meal mostly sandwiches and burgers.each of us liked a Different aspect of our Meals but I say the The most impressive thing for me was the Fries. not over cooked and not too salty perfectly seasoned and Complimented my Burger splendidly. I had the Mojave Burger a Beef patty with a slice of Pepper~Jack Cheese and few slices of Jalapeno. I know what you are thinking. Needs more hot stuff, lol. Just kidding, it was amazing the  hot blended with the Sweet of the bun augmented the burger in amazing ways

Mojave Burger

More Pics From Atlas Steak and Smokehouse.

The Ultimate Chicken B.L.T.

      Overall the Atlas Steak and Smokehouse was Such a great experience that In this section where i usually put the Things that upset me I really can't think of a single thing that was wrong, So I'll close Here with my rating of 10 out of 10. I would feverishly recommend this Steakhouse to anyone looking for a great atmosphere, awesome people, and out of this world food. Please When you are in Fort Madison check hem out, you won't regret it.